Speaker
John Bercow has reportedly attempted to block the publication of details of MPs’ expenses, which could show if they are renting taxpayer-funded homes to each other, amid security concerns.

John Bercow has attempted to block the publication of new details of MPs’ expenses (Picture: Reuters)

After the 2009 expenses scandal stricter rules were introduced banning MPs from renting subsidised properties from family members or business associates, but a ‘loophole’ exists which allows MPs to rent accommodation to each other.

It is believed several MPs, who were due to be named today, have managed to build up property nest eggs at taxpayers’ expense after exploiting the loophole.

But last night the speaker of the House of Commons wrote to the expenses regulator to say that disclosing official documents that identify MPs’ landlords would jeopardise their security.

In a letter seen by the Daily Telegraph, Mr Bercow told the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa): ‘The processing of the data… could involve causing unwarranted damage and distress.

‘I should be grateful if you and your colleagues would reconsider such a plan.’

Yesterday Conservative MP Dr Julian Lewis had revealed that freedom of information laws were being used to bring about the publication of the information, which would see the names of MPs’ landlords disclosed to the public.

Dr Lewis claimed the publication of such details would breach the security of MPs’ home addresses.

Mr Bercow then assured MPs that he had written to Ipsa because he shared ‘the very real concerns raised’.

Labour MP John Mann slammed the attempt to keep the information secret, saying it was a ‘return to the bad old days’.

‘If MPs are renting from past or current MPs it is right and proper the public is able to know that,’ he said.

‘There is nothing wrong with that, and there is nothing wrong in it being out there in the open. I have no problem in MPs renting it [a flat] out but the public is entitled to know that.’